Errigal
Mountain Prominent granite peak in Donegal, Ireland's iconic mountain
Donegal’s highest peak, Errigal rises from coastal moorland with quartzite slopes and clear ridge walks. Hikers follow well-worn routes for panoramic views over the Poison Glen and nearby Atlantic coast.
Errigal is a prominent mountain in County Donegal, Ireland, and the highest of the Derryveagh Mountains at 751 metres. Its steep, smooth quartzite slopes create a sharply defined conical profile that is a familiar landmark across the region.
The mountain is popular with walkers and scramblers; established paths lead to the summit from the lower valleys and the climb is commonly completed in a few hours for fit walkers. The summit provides wide-ranging views over nearby glens, coastal bays and the surrounding Donegal landscape on clear days.
Errigal’s name comes from the Irish language and the peak has long been a local landmark in Donegal, frequently used for outdoor recreation and mountain walking.
The mountain stands in northwest County Donegal, near the small villages and glens of the Derryveagh range and visible from parts of the surrounding coastal region.
- Height and composition: The highest peak in County Donegal at 751 metres, noted for its distinctive quartzite summit and cone-like profile.
- Climbing note: Routes from the populated side provide a well-trodden path to the summit, but weather can change rapidly so standard mountain precautions are advisable year round.
How to Get to Errigal #
Mount Errigal (County Donegal) - the usual access is by car from Letterkenny. Drive roughly 25-30 km west from Letterkenny along the N56 and then local roads (approx 30-40 minutes) to the small villages at the mountain’s base (Dunlewey/Creeslough area) where parking and the main trailheads are located.
There is limited public transport directly to the trailhead; local buses run from Letterkenny toward Gweedore and nearby villages, but most visitors use a taxi or private car. From the parking/trailhead expect a short walk (1-2 km) to reach the lower slopes before beginning the climb.
Tips for Visiting Errigal #
- Errigal is exposed and weather can change quickly; start your ascent early in the day to avoid afternoon cloud and stronger winds that commonly reduce visibility.
- Use the well‑used route from the commonly used parking/starting area at the mountain's base and allow extra time for slower walkers-the upper slopes are steep and pathfinding can be tricky in poor visibility.
Best Time to Visit Errigal #
Late spring through summer (June-August) is the best time for safer, more reliable conditions for hiking Errigal.
Weather & Climate near Errigal #
Errigal's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 1°C to 15°C. Heavy rainfall (2412 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (271 mm), mostly overcast skies, and windy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (195 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (208 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (142 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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July
July is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (158 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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August
August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (179 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Heavy rain (211 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (261 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (258 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (262 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
